If your car is damaged in an accident and needs time in the shop, you might wonder — how long will insurance pay for a rental car during repairs? The answer depends on your insurance policy, the type of coverage you have, and the time it takes to complete the repairs.
Rental car coverage is one of those benefits most drivers don’t think about until they actually need it. But understanding how it works — and how long it lasts — can save you stress and out-of-pocket costs while your vehicle is being fixed.
Let’s break down how long insurance companies typically cover a rental car, what affects that timeline, and what you can do if your repairs take longer than expected.
How Rental Car Coverage Works in Auto Insurance
When you buy car insurance, you can add rental reimbursement coverage (also called transportation expense coverage). This helps pay for a temporary rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.
Without this add-on, you’d have to pay for the rental car yourself — and depending on how long the repairs take, those costs can pile up quickly.
Rental reimbursement coverage usually kicks in only after a claim is filed and approved. That means if your car is in the shop for accident-related damage, your insurer pays for a rental up to the limits stated in your policy.
How Long Will Insurance Pay for a Rental Car During Repairs?
Generally, insurance will pay for a rental car during repairs until your vehicle is fixed or your policy’s coverage limit is reached — whichever comes first.
Most insurance policies cover rental cars for 30 days or less, but this can vary by insurer and policy type. Some companies have daily and total limits, like “up to $40 per day and a maximum of $1,200 per claim.”
So if your car takes three weeks to repair and your coverage allows 30 days of rental use, your costs should be fully covered. But if repairs stretch beyond that, you may have to cover additional days out of pocket.
What Determines How Long Insurance Covers the Rental Car
Several factors can affect how long your insurance will pay for a rental car during repairs:
- The Extent of Damage
The more severe the damage, the longer your car will stay in the shop. Minor bodywork might take a few days, while frame or mechanical repairs can stretch over several weeks. - Parts Availability
Delays often happen when replacement parts are on backorder, especially for older or imported cars. - Insurance Claim Processing Time
If there’s a delay in approving your claim, the start date for rental coverage might also be delayed. - Policy Limits
Each policy has a set number of days and a dollar limit for rental reimbursement. Once you hit that cap, the insurer stops paying, even if your car isn’t ready yet.
Collision vs. Comprehensive Claims and Rental Coverage
Your ability to get a rental car depends on the type of claim you file.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for repairs if your car is damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Applies when damage occurs from non-collision events like theft, fire, hail, or vandalism.
In both cases, if you have rental reimbursement coverage, it will help cover the cost of your temporary vehicle while repairs are underway.
However, if your car is declared a total loss instead of being repaired, the insurer typically stops paying for the rental once you receive a settlement offer — not when you buy a new car.
What Happens If Repairs Take Longer Than Expected
Sometimes, car repairs drag on longer than anyone plans. So, what if your car isn’t ready but your rental coverage period ends?
Here are your options:
- Ask for an Extension: Some insurance companies allow short extensions if delays are beyond your control (like parts shortages or repair shop backlogs).
- Negotiate with the Repair Shop: Ask for an updated estimate and see if they can prioritize your repair job.
- Pay Out of Pocket: If your policy limit is reached and the insurer won’t extend it, you’ll need to pay for additional rental days yourself.
- Use Alternative Transportation: If your insurer offers rideshare reimbursement instead, you could switch to Uber or Lyft and get partial compensation.
Always stay in touch with both your repair shop and your insurance adjuster to track progress and avoid unexpected rental bills.
Tips to Maximize Rental Coverage During Repairs
If you want to get the most out of your rental car insurance coverage, follow these simple steps:
- Review Your Policy Ahead of Time: Make sure you know how many days and how much per day your rental coverage pays.
- Choose a Reasonably Priced Rental: Insurers typically cover up to a specific daily rate. Choosing a luxury vehicle might leave you paying the difference.
- Stay in Communication: Keep your insurer updated about repair progress, especially if the shop finds new issues that could extend repair time.
- File Claims Quickly: The faster your claim is approved, the sooner your rental coverage starts.
Do You Get a Rental Car After a Total Loss?
If your vehicle is totaled, your insurer won’t pay for a rental car indefinitely. Most companies cover the rental only until they issue your total loss settlement — typically around five to seven days after the decision.
That gives you enough time to purchase a replacement vehicle. However, if you need extra time, you may have to extend the rental at your own expense.
How to Add Rental Reimbursement Coverage to Your Policy
If you don’t already have rental coverage, adding it is easy and inexpensive. Many insurers offer it as an optional add-on to collision and comprehensive coverage.
The cost usually ranges from $2 to $15 per month, depending on your policy and coverage limits. For most drivers, that’s a small price to pay for peace of mind when unexpected repairs pop up.
It’s especially worth it if you depend heavily on your car for commuting, school, or family activities. Without it, paying $30–$50 per day for a rental could quickly turn into a financial headache.
Final Thoughts: Know Your Rental Car Coverage Before You Need It
Understanding how long insurance will pay for a rental car during repairs can save you a lot of stress and surprise costs. Most policies cover rentals for up to 30 days or until repairs are complete, but exact limits vary by insurer.
Before an accident ever happens, review your policy details, know your daily and total limits, and consider upgrading your rental reimbursement coverage if needed. That way, if your car ends up in the shop, you’ll still have a reliable set of wheels — without breaking your budget.